Science News magazine has selected José Dinneny, of Carnegie’s Department of Plant Biology, as one of ten young scientists to watch in 2017. The researchers were selected because they are likely to make big discoveries. The investigators are spotlighted in the October 14 edition of Science News available online today at www.sciencenews.org/SN10.

Dinneny looks at the mechanisms plants use to sense water availability and survive stressful conditions such as drought and high salinity. He investigates developmental pathways and molecular genetic mechanisms involved in shaping the plant to suit the environment. His work has included the processes of water-stress responses in plants at unparalleled spatial/temporal resolution. His team has discovered novel adaptive techniques used by roots to capture water, and he has invented new imaging methods to study these systems.

“Each scientist included in the SN 10 was nominated by a Nobel laureate or recently elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. All were age 40 or under, and were selected for their potential to shape the science of the future,” stated the Science News press release.

“He is exceptionally creative and his laser-like focus will no doubt result in discoveries that could help engineer plants to adapt to climate change and accelerate our understanding of the fundamentals of adaptation. We are proud to have him as a colleague.”

Carnegie president Matthew Scott remarked, “We could not be happier that José has received this prestigious recognition. He exemplifies Andrew Carnegie’s original idea—that supporting exceptional and imaginative scientists will lead to groundbreaking discoveries. This winning formula continues to benefit humankind. All of us at Carnegie extend our heartfelt congratulations to José.”